The socratic dialogue titled Gorgias by Plato is an interesting investigation into the true place of rhetoric  as an art and an examination into how it is practiced in society. As mentioned before, Plato employs the socratic method in his cross-examination of the self professed master of rhetoric named Gorgias. The conversation begins as Gorgias is introduced to Socrates for what begins as a quick question. Socrates asks Gorgias to define rhetoric for him and Gorgias responds by saying that rhetoric is the art of all words (especially through persuasive speech).

Socrates then pokes holes in Gorgias’ definition by providing examples of other arts that employ speech and yet do not use rhetoric. For example, Socrates offers the example of doctors who heal patients, use dialogue, and do not need to exercise rhetoric to fulfill their duties.

Further along in the conversation, Socrates convinces Gorgias to agree that there are two types of rhetoric, that which is based off of knowledge, and what are essentially hollow words for the sole purpose of coercion. Finally, Socrates asks why Gorgias believes that the art of rhetoric is superior to the art of health care, business, or ship-building, all of which are constructive and use dialogue. Gorgias, in a very cynical manner, answers that a person who masters rhetoric may enslave those of other practices for his/her own use.